The 18-year-old protagonist. Robin is the son of a clergyman, and is determined to find his place in the world. Raised in the country, he has come to Massachusetts Bay to find his cousin Major…
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Major Molineux
The object ofRobin’s search, Major Molineux is his wealthy and distinguished cousin who, during a visit a year or two years ago, showed great interest in Robin. Being himself childless, he offered to…
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The Horned Man
The horned man is a mysterious figure with horn-like protrusions on his forehead, shaggy eyebrows, a hooked nose, and fiery eyes—all characteristics reminiscent of classical depictions of the devil. Robinmeets the horned man three…
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The Kind Gentleman
The only outwardly kind person Robinmeets is a gentleman who emerges from the shadow of a church steeple and keeps him company as he waits for Molineux. A seeming paragon of Christian charity…
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The Old Man
The first person with whom Robin speaks when he arrives in Massachusetts Bay. He is a brusque old man “with a full periwig of gray hair, a wide-skirted coat of dark cloth, and silk stockings.”…
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Robinmeets the innkeeper in the public house of a tavern soon after arriving in town. Initially courteous, the innkeeper receives Robin with the warmness of a “second-generation […] French Protestant.” Robin thinks the he…
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The “Housekeeper”
In a rundown district near the harbor, Robin chances upon an open doorway where stands a pretty, seductive, and “saucy” woman dressed in a scarlet petticoat who greets Robin with flattery and claims that the…
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Minor Characters
The Night Watchman
Robin is startled by an ornery night watchman bearing a lantern. He mistakes Robin for a “vagrant,” and threatens to put him in the stocks. He reappears at the story’s climax, visibly enjoying Robin’s distress.